The International Descent of the Sella 2026 takes place this Saturday August 8 with its 88th edition, one of the major sports and festive events of the summer in Asturias. The event once again connects Arriondas and Ribadesella through the Sella River, in a day that each year combines high-level canoeing, tradition, pilgrimage, popular atmosphere, and thousands of visitors following the race from the banks, the river train, or the road.
The competition is part of the Festival of Canoes, declared of International Tourist Interest, and maintains a recognizable ritual: a prior parade, a poetic start, singing of Asturias, beloved homeland and the stampede of boats into the water when the event officially begins.
Schedule of the Descent of the Sella 2026
The official start of the Descent of the Sella is scheduled for 12:00 hours from Arriondas. Before that moment, the traditional poetic start is celebrated, which this year is led by Santi Cazorla, former international Asturian footballer and announcer of the edition.
After the announcement and the singing of the Asturian anthem, the judge gives the start by changing the traffic lights on the shore, which go from red to green, and the locks that release the paddles open. It is then that one of the most characteristic images of summer in Spain begins: hundreds of canoes launching into the river at the same time amid the noise of the crowd and the tension of the favorites trying to position themselves well in the first meters.
Route: from Arriondas to Ribadesella
The main route of the International Descent of the Sella connects the bridges of Arriondas and Ribadesella over approximately 20 kilometers. It is the classic stretch of the event and the one that concentrates sports attention, although the atmosphere extends throughout the Sella valley during the day.
The river marks a demanding race due to the distance, the positioning in the first measures, and the management of the rapids, the changes of pace, and the groups that form during the descent. The arrival at Ribadesella is usually decided among boats capable of maintaining speed, reading the river, and endurance until the final meters.
Where to watch the Descent of the Sella
The race can be followed from different points between Arriondas and Ribadesella, especially in the areas designated for spectators and in the traditional accesses to the river. The start in Arriondas is one of the most sought-after moments, but also one of the most crowded, so it is advisable to arrive early and pay attention to safety and mobility indications.
Another classic way to experience the Sella is the river train, which accompanies the race from Arriondas to Ribadesella. The organization and the municipalities recommend planning the trips, checking schedules, and avoiding improvisations, because the influx of the public usually causes delays and parking difficulties in the closest points to the route.
Santi Cazorla, announcer of the edition
One of the proper names of this edition is Santi Cazorla. The Asturian footballer serves as the announcer and is in charge of reciting the traditional verses before the start, a symbolic role that connects the sporting dimension of the Sella with the Asturian identity of the festival.
Cazorla's presence adds an emotional element to the day. His figure, closely linked to Asturian sport and internationally recognized, reinforces the popular character of a race that does not belong only to canoeing but also to the festive and sentimental memory of Asturias.
Favorites to win the Sella 2026
In the sporting aspect, Walter Bouzán and Alberto Llera are among the top favorites. The defending champion pair arrives with good feelings after marking the best time in the previous time trial, which allows them to occupy an advantageous position at the start.
Bouzán is one of the great historical names of the Sella, with a record that places him as a reference of the race. Together with Llera, he will seek to repeat last year's victory in an edition with high-level participation and with rivals ready to take advantage of any mistake in the first kilometers or at the finish.
A race that goes beyond sport
The Descent of the Sella is not just a competition. It is a day of Asturian identity, tourism, celebration, and tradition that transforms Arriondas, Ribadesella, and the entire river environment. Each edition mobilizes clubs, paddlers, neighbors, visitors, security services, hospitality, and transport, and turns eastern Asturias into one of the major focal points of summer.
The race also maintains a visual strength that is hard to match: the river full of canoes, the banks packed with spectators, the train following the race, and the ritual of the start as a scene repeated for decades. That is why, even those who do not usually follow canoeing look for the schedule, the route, the television, and the winner of the Sella when the big day arrives.
The key day of the Canoe Festival
With the start at 12:00 hours, the 20-kilometer route, and the favorites already defined, the 2026 Sella Descent enters its decisive moment. The 88th edition once again brings together all the ingredients of the Canoe Festival: sport, tradition, emotion, public, and a race open until the first boats reach Ribadesella.
The name of the winner will be known in the water, but the Sella has already won again outside of it. The race maintains its ability to attract searches, visitors, and public conversation every summer, and this Saturday Asturias looks again to the river.